How Does CSTE Compare to ISTQB? Which is better, CSTE or ISTQB? Which is the best software testing certification? CSTE is Certified Software Tester (CSTE) from Software Certifications, a division of the Quality Assurance Institute. ISTQB is the International Software Testing Qualifications Board. ISTQB offers many software testing certifications but CTFL, Certified Tester Foundation Level, is the equivalent software testing certification level from ISTQB for CSTE, so this comparison focuses on CSTE versus CTFL from ISTQB. How do CSTE and ISTQB’s CTFL software testing certifications compare? Is the Parent Organization For-Profit or Non-Profit? CSTE is from the Quality Assurance Institute (QAI). QAI is a private, for-profit company. In comparison, ISTQB is a non-profit organization. Its official U.S. board is the American Software Testing Qualifications Board (ASTQB), which is also a non-profit organization. Volunteer Board for the U.S. CSTE/QAI does not have a volunteer board in the United States because it is a for-profit company. ISTQB has a non-profit volunteer board in the U.S. which is the American Software Testing Qualifications Board (ASTQB). ASTQB delivers the ISTQB exams through AT*SQA which is also a non-profit organization. As a non-profit like ASTQB, AT*SQA has a volunteer board in the United States. Popularity of the Software Testing Certifications While CSTE/QAI does not release certification numbers publicly like ISTQB does, based on historical information it is estimated that CSTE is about 1/5th as popular as ISTQB/CTFL. Certification Course Sales and Required Fees QAI sells training courses for CSTE. ASTQB (ISTQB in the U.S.) does not sell training courses, but instead lets users self-study or choose any training provider. ASTQB (ISTQB in the U.S.) also offers the most comprehensive, free exam preparation materials including a large syllabus (body of knowledge), a free glossary of software testing terms, and free sample exam questions and answers. Recertification Requirement CSTE/QAI requires recertification every three years along with payment. CTFL/ISTQB does not require recertification. Free Extras ASTQB (ISTQB in the U.S.) offers free benefits for those who take their exams through ASTQB or its exam provider AT*SQA. These free extras include: Inclusion on the Official U.S. List of Certified Software Testers™ as well as the ISTQB registry, points toward your Testing Tiers® software tester ranking level, local software quality sponsorships, free addition of certifications to LinkedIn, and more. See the complete list of extras given to you by ASTQB (ISTQB in the U.S.) and AT*SQA. Note: The information used to create this comparison came from public websites and press releases. We cannot guarantee the completeness or accuracy of this information. Please contact ASTQB if you have any updated information.
